Contents

Synopsis

On the title page, Tomoko stands on a small pile of leaves in a park road with the words "What a lonely season . . . a frigid wind is blowing" over her head.

In the arcase, Tomoko watches two anonymous girls fail to win a prize at the crane game. After they give up, Tomoko realizes she can get the prize, and she decides that she might as well before the owner resets the machine. Tomoko succeeds, but she then struggles carrying the huge stuffed toy outside in the high winds. In her room, she finds the toy "so lonely," and she concludes it is because it is winter.

In school while passing by the Literature Club, Tomoko daydreams about being part of different clubs. As usual, she imagines being popular and having fun, but then she comes to realize it is all an illusion as tears appear in her eyes as she stands outside staring in the windows. Her staring disturb the students inside.

As she walks the halls, she passes a list of clubs on a bulletin board that includes a packet containing application forms for new clubs. After some thought and discarded attempts, Tomoko completes an application for the "Ordinary Club": "a club that enjoys itself every day and tries to find happiness." It lists only one member but promises that "soon there will be more." After a pause, she turns in her application.

After a few weeks, Tomoko seems happy with her club which attracted an anonymous boy and girl. Tomoko happily makes tea and sits with them. Then the voice of her mother calls her to dinner. Tomoko sits with a disturbing glare and smile having tea with her stuffed cushion and new toy. Irritated, her mother demands why she did not come when called.

The bulletin board contains a listing that the "Ordinary Club" was rejected, because its "activities are too obscure."